Ciaran Clark has vowed to seize the moment as boss Paul Lambert keeps faith with the resilient stopper for Saturday’s crunch clash with Burnley.

The Republic of Ireland ace will line-up next to Jores Okore in the centre of defence after his man-of-the-match performance against Southampton on Monday and he’s determined to keep his place going forward.

Clark and Okore stood in for the injured trio of Ron Vlaar, Philippe Senderos and Nathan Baker during the 1-1 draw and put in an heroic display to thwart the high-flying Saints.

Boss Lambert will trust the pair to perform at Turf Moor once more as Villa desperately search for their first win in nine games this weekend.

Clark said: “It was good to be back but it’s not the nicest way to play again due to injuries.

“Sometimes though when you get your chance you have to make it count.

“I think me and Jores did just that.

“It was just a shame to concede the goal so late on after leading for so long.

“Before the game we would have probably taken a point to be fair.”

Lambert praised the 25-year-old for organising the backline and leading the way with a gallant performance.